Major emerging market airline chooses Heathrow

Heathrow has announced that Philippine Airlines plan to begin non-stop flights between Heathrow and Manila on 4th November.

This is the first direct link between the UK and the Philippines, a major emerging market destination, in more than a decade.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has chosen Heathrow over other UK airports, despite them having lower landing charges and claiming to be a viable alternative to Heathrow for new routes to emerging markets.

Heathrow is PAL’s first European destination since flights to Europe were discontinued in 1998. Speaking in the Philippines where he was meeting PAL executives, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Lord Stephen Green of Hurstpierpoint, said:

“I’m delighted to celebrate a very concrete example of the growing ties between our two countries, that being the reestablishment by Philippine Airlines of direct flights between Manila and London for the first time in over a decade. I am confident that these flights will greatly enhance the relationship between the UK and the Philippines.”

PAL will fly direct between Heathrow and Manila five times a week, providing the fastest travel to Manila (average 12.5 hours) as well as top Philippine tourist spots and other destinations in Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea and Australia.

Heathrow’s Chief Executive, Colin Matthews, said:

“I’m delighted to welcome the newest member of Heathrow’s airlines. Because Heathrow is full, it’s difficult to find slots for new arrivals and this has taken years of negotiation. Whilst it’s a success story for Heathrow and the UK, linking British businesses to trading opportunities in a key emerging market, it also shows the challenge of putting these links in place. Without a larger hub airport, the UK can expect to fall behind in the global race for trade, jobs and economic growth.”